Suggestions for daily driver replacement?
 

My DD is starting to pack it in, and I am looking for something new(er) than what I have right now. I'm looking to spend about 7-8K on a car.....looking for suggestions.

Looking for 4 doors, decent power, 5spd, 120k max, 2006+. I know for my price range, the car will most likely be FWD and have decent mpg already.

Currently looking at 2006+ Mazda3 GT hbs and 2008+ Fusion hbs.

Any other ideas, leads?

Thanks

I'm gonna go ahead and throw the obvious Hondas out there.. Civics for economy, Accords for a bit more punch.

Though Mazda 3's are more peppy and fun to drive.

Don't know enough to say much about the domestics though. :whistle:

can't afford 2006+ accords on my budget. I don't think I'll get a civic neither.

Can't go wrong with a corolla if you want a beater that's going to last a while!

The fusions are an absolute steal IMO
and the added bonus of less people driving like dicks around you because they think you might be a cop is sweet too.

I bought a new Fit back in Sept, and I love it. Yes, some people can't get over that it seems like a 'chick' car, or it's 'gay'. Personally, I'm too old to give a crap, as I wanted something practical, and very good on gas. The Fit is both of these. I have a turbo car I can bring out when the mood hits.

The 5 door hatch style is extremely handy, and this was coming from a sedan. The fold down seats make hauling crap super easy. It's been an awesome, no worry, jump in and go type of car.

Might be able to find an '09 (newer body style) in your price range... but it might be tough. I ended up going with a new one, because the resale on the newer Fits was extremely high. Made more sense to spend a bit more $ to get something brand new.

What's your fuel economy on your Honda Fit?

Wont find a GE8 in that price range unless its a rebuild. Aside from that, agree about everything else. Love my Fit.

Not bad, but was hoping for a bit better... but then I'm just being greedy :D

I can usually squeeze 500kms to a tank, but that's easily 80% rush hour, stop and go bullshit. I have yet to take the car on a roadtrip, or spend any serious time on the highway.

The best part? 87 octane :awwyeah:
My last car drank the good stuff, so this was a welcome change! My Teg needs 94, so a daily that sips on the cheap shit is fine by me!

I think it'll be hard to find a 06+ with your budget. I think you would be able to find some early 2000 modles are still in good shape and will be under your budget.

After some searching, I can't find an 06+ mazda3 without it being a rebuild....going to go look at a few next week.

Spood_Fed, how's the power delivery in the fit? Obviously it won't be mind blowing, but does the car have any punch because it's so light?

I love the Fusions, but you wont find an '08+ for under $8k. Hell, you'll be lucky to find a single Fusion on Craigslist of any year for any price. I just checked and under FS by owner, there are maaaaybe three online right now. :lol They're great cars, but because of that, many people are holding onto them.

Mz3's, on the other hand, are all over the site. I've never driven one, so I have no input on them.

How new of a car are you looking for? And is it simply because newer should = less repairs? There are some great cars that can be had if you're willing to drop your year search down by three or four years, many of which would need even less repairs than one that's newer.

First time driving it, I was surprized. It has a decent amount of get up and go, perfect for rippin' around town, etc. The power drops right off in the higher rpms, but this isn't surprizing. Like you said, it won't blow your socks off, but I'm happy with it.

Acura EL?

2005 acura el 4dr auto 86,km

2005 Mazda 3 GT - Fully Loaded
2004 Mazda 3
Mazda 3 GT *** Low Kms***

Civic are made in Canada.. Fits are made in China! How can you tell? If your VIN starts with an L, it is a Chinese made car.

Our 2007 Fit Sport gets 8.2L/100km combined 80% city/20% hwy, this was calculated over 2011. On the flip side, our Yaris gets 7.2L/100km, same split for city/hwy. I was hoping the Fit would be much closer to what the Yaris gets based on EPA, but based on conversations with other Fit owners this seems to be about right. I suspect a Mazda 3 probably gets similar fuel economy to the Fit, but you get the added size and refinements of jumping up a class.

The Fit is a great and practical subcompact car, in that it functions much bigger than its small exterior size shows but still drives like a small car. Whereas our Yaris is just a small car, it drives like one and has the carrying capacity of one. Both have been cheap and troublefree to operate and maintain, just that the Yaris is cheaper.

Both small cars have enough power for stop and go DD traffic. Highway driving is another story if you feel you need the power and passing abilities. They can handle highway speeds just fine if you are content driving with the regular flow of traffic and your highways are not like the Coquihalla.

add two flashy lights on rear window and one ontop of the rear view mirror... :ilied:

Strange, I don't think I have ever seen a Ford Fusion used as a police car in Greater Vancouver. Where do you see those? Ford will be replacing the Crown Victoria with the Taurus Police Interceptor, though.

Btw, decommissioned Crown Vics go for about 3-4k easily at auction. The dark coloured undercover ones are usually in demand. Easy to maintain, last forever with basic maintenance, solid construction, 5 star crash rating, plenty of space, but not so great on gas. And the used ones normally have cosmetic wear and tear inside and out. But still great cars.

This, and I want a clean/fresh interior with creature comforts.

This is what I thought; zippy, light car around the city, but lacks the power on the top end. Thanks

Thanks

Nissan Maxima??
2004 Nissan Maxima SE Fully Loaded 6spd Standard

I don't think you can get 260HP any other way with full leather interior and all comfort package while having similar fuel econ as the same year Camry V6 (3.3 before the 2GR-FE). Can't lose as a DD.